Representatives from Cedars Youth & Community Centre joined HRH Prince Phillip, as London Youth celebrated its 130^th anniversary at Buckingham Palace.

The day marked another very special milestone; 70 years of patronage from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

Trust staff members Steve Williams and Sean Flaherty were in attendance with participants Gary Smith and Kavanagh Byron.

Both Gary and Kavanagh were invited after achieving success at the Trust. Gary was recently awarded as Watford FC’s Premier League Kicks Hero, whilst Kavanagh has applied himself to the Trust and is hoping to start the BTEC course pending his GCSE results. 

Over 250 people attended the event with several London Youth Supporters and youth workers, as well as young people from more than 30 community and youth organisations across London.

The Trust was extremely privileged to be just one out of two Premier League Football clubs to have been invited to the celebration. Gary and Kavanagh took part in a host of activates, including table tennis, as the Buckingham Palace Gardens were transformed into a youth club for the afternoon.

While on a tour of the Palace Garden, Prince Philip was able to view several outdoor activities and creative projects, including an art wall portraying the things that inspire young people in London. 

The Duke also took the time to speak to different young people at each stage of his tour, finding out more about their youth clubs and experiences growing up in the capital.

To conclude, His Royal Highness watched a dance performance and cut a cake to mark the 130th Anniversary occasion. The celebration coincided with the first ever London History Day, co-ordinated by Historic England, and was a fantastic opportunity to put the role of youth organisations into the context of the capital’s rich history.

Steve William, Head of Facilities at Cedars, spoke about the event:

“Last June we were pleased to be awarded our Gold Level of the London Youth Quality Mark, presented by the Duke himself at Cedars, so it was great to be able to be invited back to the Buckingham Palace for this celebration.

The day was a great success and something that all four of us won’t forget. I’m glad Gary and Kavanagh had the chance to experience something like this because they deserve it after their outstanding efforts with the Trust.”